HB 130, TECEC PRIORITY BILL, relating to full-day high-quality pre-k programs, has passed the House!

HB 130 has passed out of the House with a 106-31 vote.

Full Text: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB130

HB 130, TECEC PRIORITY BILL, relating to full-day high-quality pre-k programs, recieved initial approval from the House 5/7/2009

HB 130 has passed to engrossment and is expected to be passed out of the House on 5/8/2009

SB 1613, TECEC PRIORITY BILL, relating to establishing an Early Childhood Behavioral Consultation Grant Program, scheduled for hearing 4/28/2009

SB 1613 has been scheduled for a public hearing on 4/28/2009. The hearing will take place at 9:00 AM in the Senate Chamber.

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB1613

SB 21, TECEC PRIORITY BILL, relating to full-day high-quality pre-k programs, will be considered in committee 4/21/2009

SB 21 will be considered in committee. The Committee meeting will take place on the 21st at 8:30 AM in E1.028.

Full Text: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB21

HB 130, TECEC PRIORITY BILL, relating to full-day high-quality pre-k programs, reported favorably 4/16/2009

HB 130 has been reported favorably out of committee

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB130

79 representatives have signed on as authors and co-authors for HB 130!

79 representatives have signed on in support of HB 130:

Rep. Eissler (Joint Author),
Rep. Anchia (Joint Author),
Rep. Pitts (Joint Author),
Rep. Thompson (Joint Author),
Rep. Allen (Co-Author),
Rep. Alonzo (Co-Author),
Rep. Alvarado (Co-Author),
Rep. Aycock (Co-Author),
Rep. Berman (Co-Author),
Rep. Bohac (Co-Author),
Rep. Bolton (Co-Author),
Rep. Bonnen (Co-Author),
Rep. Burnam (Co-Author),
Rep. Button (Co-Author),
Rep. Castro (Co-Author),
Rep. Cohen (Co-Author),
Rep. Cook (Co-Author),
Rep. Yvonne Davis (Co-Author),
Rep. Deshotel (Co-Author),
Rep. Dukes (Co-Author),
Rep. Dunnam (Co-Author),
Rep. Dutton (Co-Author),
Rep. Edwards (Co-Author),
Rep. Farabee (Co-Author),
Rep. Farias (Co-Author),
Rep. Farrar (Co-Author),
Rep. Fletcher (Co-Author),
Rep. Fletcher (Co-Author),
Rep. Flores (Co-Author),
Rep. Gonzales (Co-Author),
Rep. Guillen (Co-Author),
Rep. Gutierrez (Co-Author),
Rep. Hardcastle (Co-Author),
Rep. Harless (Co-Author),
Rep. Heflin (Co-Author),
Rep. Hernandez (Co-Author),
Rep. Hodge (Co-Author),
Rep. Homer (Co-Author),
Rep. Donna Howard (Co-Author),
Rep. Jim Jackson (Co-Author),
Rep. Kent (Co-Author),
Rep. Phil King (Co-Author),
Rep. Lucio III (Co-Author),
Rep. Maldanado (Co-Author),
Rep. Mallory Caraway (Co-Author),
Rep. Marquez (Co-Author),
Rep. Martinez Fischer (Co-Author),
Rep. "Mando" Martinez (Co-Author),
Rep. McClendon(Co-Author),
Rep. McReynolds (Co-Author),
Rep. Menendez (Co-Author),
Rep. Sid Miller (Co-Author),
Rep. Moody (Co-Author),
Rep. Naishtat (Co-Author),
Rep. Ortiz, Jr. (Co-Author),
Rep. Otto (Co-Author),
Rep. Pickett (Co-Author),
Rep. Pierson (Co-Author),
Rep. Quintanilla (Co-Author),
Rep. Raymond (Co-Author),
Rep. Rios Ybarra (Co-Author),
Rep. Rodriguez (Co-Author),
Rep. Rose (Co-Author),
Rep. Sheffield (Co-Author),
Rep. Shelton (Co-Author),
Rep. Todd Smith (Co-Author),
Rep. Strama (Co-Author),
Rep. Thibaut (Co-Author),
Rep. Chris Turner (Co-Author),
Rep. Sylvester Turner (Co-Author),
Rep. Vaught (Co-Author),
Rep. Veasey (Co-Author),
Rep. Villarreal (Co-Author),
Rep. Vo (Co-Author),
Rep. Walle (Co-Author),
Rep. Weber (Co-Author),
Rep. Woolley (Co-Author), and
Rep. Zerwas (Co-Author),

Full Text: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB130

HB 130, TECEC PRIORITY BILL, relating to full-day high quality pre-k programs, scheduled for a hearing 3/24/09

HB 130, TECEC PRIORITY BILL, relating to full-day high quality pre-k programs, scheduled for a hearing in the House Committee on Public Education, 3/24/09

The hearing will take place in E2.036

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/HB00130I.htm

SB 1613, TECEC PRIORITY BILL, relating to establishing an Early Childhood Behavioral Consultation Grant Program, referred to committee on 3/17/2009

SB 1613 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services.

Take action to support this critical legislation

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB1613

SB 1613, TECEC PRIORITY BILL, relating to establishing an Early Childhood Behavioral Consultation Grant Program, filed 3/10/2009

SB 1613, authored by Senator Lucio, amends the Texas Human Resources Code and establishes a competitive grant program administered by the Health and Human Services Commission's Office of Early Childhood Coordination to pilot a behavioral consultant program. Further this bill establishes criteria for awards, funding use, and reporting requirements by the Office of Early Childhood Coordination.

Take action to support this critical legislation

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB1613

SB 21, TECEC PRIORITY BILL, relating to full-day, high-quality pre-k programs, scheduled for public hearing on 3/12/2009

SB 21 has been scheduled for a public hearing on 3/12/2009.

SB 21, authored by Senator Zaffirini et al, amends the Texas Education Code and 1) authorizes the operation of half and/or full day prekindergarten program, and 2) establishes criteria for class sizes, staffing, and curriculum, and, 3) authorizes the formation of partnerships between school districts and community providers to provide a percentage of the services offered by the expanded pre K program and establishes exceptions to the community partnerships, and 4) defines criteria for eligibility of community partners, and 5) requires a written contractual agreement between the school district and community providers, and 6) delineates criteria for minimum funding for community providers, and 7) establishes annual reporting standards, and 8) establishes duties of the commissioner and authorizes the commissioner to adopt rules needed to implement the program, and 9) delineates restrictions of funding for the program, and 10) establishes a funded requirement for an annual evaluation of the enhanced pre K program. This bill also amends the Texas Education Code authorizing eligibility of enhanced pre K students for school funding and establishing criteria for calculating funding for eligible students. The Companion bill to this bill is HB 130, authored by Representative Diane Patrick.

49 Texas legislators have signed on to support TECEC priority bills SB 21 and HB 130!

49 legislators (40 representatives and 9 senators) have become Joint- and Co-Authors of SB 21 and HB 130!

Check out the list below:

SB 21:
Sen. Carona (Joint Author),
Sen. Hinojosa (Joint Author),
Sen. Lucio Jr. (Joint Author),
Sen. Uresti (Joint Author),
Sen. Van de Putte (Joint Author),
Sen. Davis (Co-Author),
Sen. Shapleigh (Co-Author),
Sen. Watson (Co-Author), and
Sen. Wentworth (Co-Author)

HB 130:
Rep. Eissler (Joint Author),
Rep. Anchia (Joint Author),
Rep. Pitts (Joint Author),
Rep. Thompson (Joint Author),
Rep. Allen (Co-Author),
Rep. Alvarado (Co-Author),
Rep. Bohac (Co-Author),
Rep. Bolton (Co-Author),
Rep. Bonnen (Co-Author),
Rep. Burnam (Co-Author),
Rep. Cohen (Co-Author),
Rep. Edwards (Co-Author),
Rep. Farabee (Co-Author),
Rep. Farias (Co-Author),
Rep. Fletcher (Co-Author),
Rep. Flores (Co-Author),
Rep. Gonzales (Co-Author),
Rep. Guillen (Co-Author),
Rep. Gutierrez (Co-Author),
Rep. Donna Howard (Co-Author),
Rep. Jim Jackson (Co-Author),
Rep. Kent (Co-Author)
Rep. Phil King (Co-Author),
Rep. Lucio III (Co-Author),
Rep. Maldanado (Co-Author),
Rep. Martinez Fischer (Co-Author),
Rep. McReynolds (Co-Author),
Rep. Sid Miller (Co-Author),
Rep. Naishtat (Co-Author),
Rep. Pierson (Co-Author),
Rep. Quintanilla (Co-Author),
Rep. Rodriguez (Co-Author),
Rep. Rose (Co-Author),
Rep. Shelton (Co-Author),
Rep. Sylvester Turner (Co-Author),
Rep. Vaught (Co-Author),
Rep. Veasey (Co-Author),
Rep. Villarreal (Co-Author),
Rep. Walle (Co-Author), and
Rep. Woolley (Co-Author)

32 Texas Legislators have joined in support of HB 130 and SB 21! TECEC PRIORITY BILLS

22 Texas House Representatives have signed on as either a Joint Author or Co-Author of HB 130. New Co-authors include:
Representative Alma Allen, Representative Carol Alvarado, Representative Phil King, Representative Diana Maldonado, Representative Mark Shelton, Representative Allen Vaught, and Representative Marc Veasey.

10 Texas Senators have signed on as Joint Authors or Co-Authors of SB 21.
Senator Wendy Davis has been added as the latest Co-Author of SB 21!

TECEC PRIORITY BILL: Take action to support this important legislation

SB 21, authored by Senator Zaffirini et al, amends the Texas Education Code and 1) authorizes the operation of half and/or full day prekindergarten program, and 2) establishes criteria for class sizes, staffing, and curriculum, and, 3) authorizes the formation of partnerships between school districts and community providers to provide a percentage of the services offered by the expanded pre K program and establishes exceptions to the community partnerships, and 4) defines criteria for eligibility of community partners, and 5) requires a written contractual agreement between the school district and community providers, and 6) delineates criteria for minimum funding for community providers, and 7) establishes annual reporting standards, and 8) establishes duties of the commissioner and authorizes the commissioner to adopt rules needed to implement the program, and 9) delineates restrictions of funding for the program, and 10) establishes a funded requirement for an annual evaluation of the enhanced pre K program. This bill also amends the Texas Education Code authorizing eligibility of enhanced pre K students for school funding and establishing criteria for calculating funding for eligible students. The Companion bill to this bill is HB 130, authored by Representative Diane Patrick.

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/SB00021I.htm

at 11:30 PM

HB 130, TECEC PRIORITY BILL, relating to full-day high quality pre-k programs, referred to committee 2/12/09

HB 130 has been referred to the House Committee on Public Education

HB 130 is a TECEC PRIORITY BILL: Take Action on this important Legislation

HB 130, authored by Representative Patrick, amends the Texas Education Code and 1) authorizes the operation of half and/or full day prekindergarten program, and 2) establishes criteria for class sizes, staffing, and curriculum, and, 3) authorizes the formation of partnerships between school districts and community providers to provide a percentage of the services offered by the expanded pre K program and establishes exceptions to the community partnerships, and 4) defines criteria for eligibility of community partners, and 5) requires a written contractual agreement between the school district and community providers, and 6) delineates criteria for minimum funding for community providers, and 7) establishes annual reporting standards, and 8) establishes duties of the commissioner and authorizes the commissioner to adopt rules needed to implement the program, and 9) delineates restrictions of funding for the program, and 10) establishes a funded requirement for an annual evaluation of the enhanced pre K program. This bill also amends the Texas Education Code authorizing eligibility of enhanced pre K students for school funding and establishing criteria for calculating funding for eligible students. Companion to SB 21 introduced by Zaffirini, et al.

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/HB00130I.htm

30 Texas Legislators have joined in support of HB 130 and SB 21! TECEC PRIORITY BILLS

**repost
20 Texas House Representatives have signed on as either a Joint Author or Co-Author of HB 130. New Co-authors include:
Representative Carol Alvarado, Representative Phil King, Representative Diana Maldonado, Representative Mark Shelton, Representative Allen Vaught, and Representative Marc Veasey.

10 Texas Senators have signed on as Joint Authors or Co-Authors of SB 21.
Senator Wendy Davis has been added as the latest Co-Author of SB 21!

TECEC PRIORITY BILL: Take action to support this important legislation

SB 21, authored by Senator Zaffirini et al, amends the Texas Education Code and 1) authorizes the operation of half and/or full day prekindergarten program, and 2) establishes criteria for class sizes, staffing, and curriculum, and, 3) authorizes the formation of partnerships between school districts and community providers to provide a percentage of the services offered by the expanded pre K program and establishes exceptions to the community partnerships, and 4) defines criteria for eligibility of community partners, and 5) requires a written contractual agreement between the school district and community providers, and 6) delineates criteria for minimum funding for community providers, and 7) establishes annual reporting standards, and 8) establishes duties of the commissioner and authorizes the commissioner to adopt rules needed to implement the program, and 9) delineates restrictions of funding for the program, and 10) establishes a funded requirement for an annual evaluation of the enhanced pre K program. This bill also amends the Texas Education Code authorizing eligibility of enhanced pre K students for school funding and establishing criteria for calculating funding for eligible students. The Companion bill to this bill is HB 130, authored by Representative Diane Patrick.

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/SB00021I.htm

SB 21, TECEC PRIORITY BILL, relating to full-day high-quality pre-k programs, referred to committee 2/10/09

SB 21 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Education

TECEC PRIORITY BILL: Take action to support this important legislation

SB 21, authored by Senator Zaffirini et al, amends the Texas Education Code and 1) authorizes the operation of half and/or full day prekindergarten program, and 2) establishes criteria for class sizes, staffing, and curriculum, and, 3) authorizes the formation of partnerships between school districts and community providers to provide a percentage of the services offered by the expanded pre K program and establishes exceptions to the community partnerships, and 4) defines criteria for eligibility of community partners, and 5) requires a written contractual agreement between the school district and community providers, and 6) delineates criteria for minimum funding for community providers, and 7) establishes annual reporting standards, and 8) establishes duties of the commissioner and authorizes the commissioner to adopt rules needed to implement the program, and 9) delineates restrictions of funding for the program, and 10) establishes a funded requirement for an annual evaluation of the enhanced pre K program. This bill also amends the Texas Education Code authorizing eligibility of enhanced pre K students for school funding and establishing criteria for calculating funding for eligible students. The Companion bill to this bill is HB 130, authored by Representative Diane Patrick.

30 Texas Legislators have joined in support of HB 130 and SB 21! TECEC PRIORITY BILLS

20 Texas House Representatives have signed on as either a Joint Author or Co-Author of HB 130. New Co-authors include:
Representative Carol Alvarado, Representative Phil King, Representative Diana Maldonado, Representative Mark Shelton, Representative Allen Vaught, and Representative Marc Veasey.

10 Texas Senators have signed on as Joint Authors or Co-Authors of SB 21.
Senator Wendy Davis has been added as the latest Co-Author of SB 21!

TECEC PRIORITY BILL: Take action to support this important legislation

SB 21, authored by Senator Zaffirini et al, amends the Texas Education Code and 1) authorizes the operation of half and/or full day prekindergarten program, and 2) establishes criteria for class sizes, staffing, and curriculum, and, 3) authorizes the formation of partnerships between school districts and community providers to provide a percentage of the services offered by the expanded pre K program and establishes exceptions to the community partnerships, and 4) defines criteria for eligibility of community partners, and 5) requires a written contractual agreement between the school district and community providers, and 6) delineates criteria for minimum funding for community providers, and 7) establishes annual reporting standards, and 8) establishes duties of the commissioner and authorizes the commissioner to adopt rules needed to implement the program, and 9) delineates restrictions of funding for the program, and 10) establishes a funded requirement for an annual evaluation of the enhanced pre K program. This bill also amends the Texas Education Code authorizing eligibility of enhanced pre K students for school funding and establishing criteria for calculating funding for eligible students. The Companion bill to this bill is HB 130, authored by Representative Diane Patrick.

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/SB00021I.htm

SB 21,TECEC PRIORITY BILL, relating to full-day high quality pre-k programs, Co-author added, 2/02/09

Senator Eliot Shapleigh has been added as a co-author of SB 21!


TECEC PRIORITY BILL: Take action to support this important legislation

SB 21, authored by Senator Zaffirini et al, amends the Texas Education Code and 1) authorizes the operation of half and/or full day prekindergarten program, and 2) establishes criteria for class sizes, staffing, and curriculum, and, 3) authorizes the formation of partnerships between school districts and community providers to provide a percentage of the services offered by the expanded pre K program and establishes exceptions to the community partnerships, and 4) defines criteria for eligibility of community partners, and 5) requires a written contractual agreement between the school district and community providers, and 6) delineates criteria for minimum funding for community providers, and 7) establishes annual reporting standards, and 8) establishes duties of the commissioner and authorizes the commissioner to adopt rules needed to implement the program, and 9) delineates restrictions of funding for the program, and 10) establishes a funded requirement for an annual evaluation of the enhanced pre K program. This bill also amends the Texas Education Code authorizing eligibility of enhanced pre K students for school funding and establishing criteria for calculating funding for eligible students. The Companion bill to this bill is HB 130, authored by Representative Diane Patrick.

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/SB00021I.htm

Congratulate Senate Committee on Education appointees: take action

The pace is picking up in the Texas Legislature! As you may know already, last Friday, Texas Senate Committee appointments were made.

The Senate Committee on Education always plays a critical role in the passage of high-quality early care and education bills, so we wanted to give our supporters the opportunity to congratulate the members of that committee. On the first day of the Texas Legislature, TECEC supporters were among some of the most active advocates, sending an amazing number of emails to legislators in support of our #1 priority, Senate Bill 21 and House Bill 130, relating to full-day high-quality pre-k programs with an emphasis on community based partnerships.

TECEC members, be the first to congratulate Senate Commitee on Education members on their recent appointment!

Senate Committee on Education appointees: Senator Florence Shapiro (Chair) Senator Dan Patrick (Vice Chair) Senator Kip Averitt Senator Wendy Davis Senator Mario Gallegos Jr. Senator Steve Ogden Senator Leticia Van de Putte Senator Royce West Senator Tommy Williams

We hope that early education advocates will take this opportunity to welcome the Senate Committee on Education members and get the message out to them about the importance of passing Senate Bill 21 and its companion, HB 130!

HB 130, TECEC PRIORITY BILL, relating to full-day high quality pre-k programs, Co-authors added 1/29/09

Co-authors added to HB 130!

The following Representatives have been added as Co-author's of HB 130:

Rep. Dwayne Bohac
Rep. Lon Burnam
Rep. Veronica Gonzales
Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer
Rep. Paula Pierson
Rep. Inocente Quintanilla
Rep. Patrick Rose
Rep. Michael Villarreal
Rep. Armando Walle


HB 130 is a TECEC PRIORITY BILL: Take Action on this important Legislation

HB 130, authored by Representative Patrick, amends the Texas Education Code and 1) authorizes the operation of half and/or full day prekindergarten program, and 2) establishes criteria for class sizes, staffing, and curriculum, and, 3) authorizes the formation of partnerships between school districts and community providers to provide a percentage of the services offered by the expanded pre K program and establishes exceptions to the community partnerships, and 4) defines criteria for eligibility of community partners, and 5) requires a written contractual agreement between the school district and community providers, and 6) delineates criteria for minimum funding for community providers, and 7) establishes annual reporting standards, and 8) establishes duties of the commissioner and authorizes the commissioner to adopt rules needed to implement the program, and 9) delineates restrictions of funding for the program, and 10) establishes a funded requirement for an annual evaluation of the enhanced pre K program. This bill also amends the Texas Education Code authorizing eligibility of enhanced pre K students for school funding and establishing criteria for calculating funding for eligible students. Companion to SB 21 introduced by Zaffirini, et al.

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/HB00130I.htm

HB 130, TECEC PRIORITY BILL, relating to full-day high quality pre-k programs, Joint Authors secured 1/27/09

*repost*
HB 130, TECEC PRIORITY BILL, relating to full-day high quality pre-k programs, Joint Authors secured 1/27/09

The following Representatives have been added as Joint Authors of House Bill 130:

Representative Rob Eissler
Representative Rafael Anchia
Representative Jim Pitts
Representative Senfronia Thompson

HB 130 is a TECEC PRIORITY BILL: Take Action on this important Legislation

HB 130, authored by Representative Patrick, amends the Texas Education Code and 1) authorizes the operation of half and/or full day prekindergarten program, and 2) establishes criteria for class sizes, staffing, and curriculum, and, 3) authorizes the formation of partnerships between school districts and community providers to provide a percentage of the services offered by the expanded pre K program and establishes exceptions to the community partnerships, and 4) defines criteria for eligibility of community partners, and 5) requires a written contractual agreement between the school district and community providers, and 6) delineates criteria for minimum funding for community providers, and 7) establishes annual reporting standards, and 8) establishes duties of the commissioner and authorizes the commissioner to adopt rules needed to implement the program, and 9) delineates restrictions of funding for the program, and 10) establishes a funded requirement for an annual evaluation of the enhanced pre K program. This bill also amends the Texas Education Code authorizing eligibility of enhanced pre K students for school funding and establishing criteria for calculating funding for eligible students. Companion to SB 21 introduced by Zaffirini, et al.

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/HB00130I.htm